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The variance of inter-departure times of the output of an assembly line with finite buffers, converging flow of material, and general service times

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Abstract

In this paper, we propose an approximation for the variability of the inter-departure times of finished products in an assembly line with finite buffers, converging flow of material, and general service times. We use the coefficient of variation as the relevant measure of variability. Exact procedures are not available for that case. The quality of the proposed approximation is tested against the results of various simulation experiments.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Supply Chain Management and Production, University of Cologne, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, 50923, Köln, Germany

    Michael Manitz & Horst Tempelmeier

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  1. Michael Manitz
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  2. Horst Tempelmeier
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Correspondence to Michael Manitz.

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Manitz, M., Tempelmeier, H. The variance of inter-departure times of the output of an assembly line with finite buffers, converging flow of material, and general service times. OR Spectrum 34, 273–291 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00291-010-0216-1

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